updated 09:40 am EST, Mon October 30, 2006

Gateway FX530 PCs

Gateway on Monday revealed a new line of high-performance gaming systems designed to rival similar moves by Dell and Hewlett-Packard. The FX530 shares the earlier FX510's cooling-efficient BTX case but updates the CPU and video performance beyond Gateway's traditionally conservative levels. Those who order the system with a 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme can ask for the processor to be overclocked at the factory with full warranty support -- a feature rarely offered by other system builders, Gateway claims. Buyers can now also equip the system with dual X1950 CrossFire Edition video cards for added 3D performance. In a concession to the enthusiast community, Gateway has also added the option of metallic side-panels in multiple colors.

The FX530 is slated to ship in three stock models. he FX530XG ships with a 2.67GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, dual 150GB high-speed hard drives, and dual X1950 CrossFire cards for $2500; the XL adds the Core 2 Extreme and a 24-inch display for $4000; lastly, the deluxe XT version increases the default RAM to 4GB and equips the system with dual 750GB hard drives for a price of $5000. All three variants are available beginning today.